Dementia Friends Champion Helen Morris offers some thoughts on shopping and dementia
Exploring new opportunities for people who are affected by dementia to retain an important social outlet, anticipating Dementia Friendly customer service.
“Why not create a ‘slow lane’ checkout at supermarkets devoted to anyone who wants a more relaxed payment experience?
Not just for people with dementia who want to pack their own bags and would appreciate a bit more time or who might welcome help identifying the coins for payment.
A slow lane could also attract a parent juggling a couple of kids or a person living alone who enjoysa chat.”
I wish this was my idea but I can’t claim it. It was offered to me by a lady who has lived with dementia for about six years and I love that it is so simple. Yes, it flies in the face of speed, service and productivity but I think it might attract people to a store to enjoy a small area of calm in their day.
People living with dementia are ‘Experts by Experience’ and have wonderful ideas. All we need to do is ‘join up the dots’ with the service providers and we could maintain a regular and enjoyable excursion for everyone.
A recent survey by the Alzheimer’s Society revealed one in four people gave up going out shopping after they have a diagnosis of dementia. This leads to further loss of confidence and a poor quality of life.
But it need not happen if customer service training included dementia awareness. There was some good news recently when a few major retailers, bankers and pharmacists all pledged to create ‘dementia friends’ amongst their staff teams. For more info visit http://bit.ly/1oKnHaW.
We are just finalizing details for a local meeting with the retail community of Uppermill and otherservice businesses towards the end of April. We hope to find many ready takers for the ideas ofExperts by Experience and so help them to maintain important regular shopping trips.
If you or anyone you know might be interested in attending this meeting please contact me by mail at Alzheimer’s Society, Dunham House, 85-89 Cross Street, Manchester M337HH, by email atHelen.morris@alzheimers.org.uk or call or text me on 07740 178310.
Meanwhile, I am pleased to say ten people are interested in attending a meeting for people affected by dementia to gather ideas together for the area. If you feel like joining us please use the details above to get in touch.
Improving our social environment now may help us all as we live our longer lives. By living longer it is likely that many of us will learn to live with Dementia ourselves and / or support someone else who is close to us.
For details of local Dementia Friends Sessions please visit www.close-communications.com/dementia-friends
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